The OCI released a statement on the matter on Wednesday evening.
Pat Hickey has temporarily stepped down as President of the Olympic Council of Ireland in light of the ticket scandal at the Olympic Games.
Hickey was arrested at his hotel in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday morning and had his passport, accreditation and plane tickets seized in a Brazilian police investigation into the alleged illegal sale of Olympic Games tickets.
Hickey is facing charges of facilitating ticket touting, formation of a cartel and ambush or illicit marketing and a maximum of seven years in prison.
Commenting on the situation on Wednesday evening, the Olympic Council of Ireland released the following statement.
A warrant of arrest for OCI President Pat Hickey was issued this morning by Brazilian authorities. Contrary to reports, Mr Hickey complied fully with the terms of the warrant. Mr Hickey was taken ill as this warrant was served and was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
In light of this morning’s developments and his ill health, Mr Hickey has taken the decision to step aside temporarily as President of the OCI and all other Olympic functions (IOC member in Ireland, EOC President, ANOC Vice President) until this matter is fully resolved. Mr Hickey will of course continue to cooperate and assist with all ongoing enquiries.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
